Thousands of disabled drivers have been handed a lifeline with the launch of a new digital Blue Badge permit to crack down on theft.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council has launched a new parking permit scheme to improve parking accessibility for those with disabilities.
The new digital parking permit will allow Blue Badge holders park in their local area without needing to display their permit.
The council said the new permits were being rolled out to crack down on Blue Badge thefts, which have become a major problem in recent years.
Data from the Blue Badge Fraud Investigations (BBFI) found that a staggering 6,415 parking permits were stolen in London in 2023.
This is a huge increase compared to the 1,230 stolen Blue Badges in the capital 12 years ago, prompting fresh rules.
Hammersmith and Fulham have seen a 35 per cent increase in stolen Badges over the last five years, research showed.
The council noted that Blue Badges were popular among thieves due to their financial value, which has led to the creation of the digital permit.
A new Blue Badge parking permit scheme has been launched by Hammersmith and Fulham Council
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BBFI/GETTYCouncillor Florian Chevoppe-Verdier, Cabinet Member for Public Realm at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, emphasised that the digital Blue Badges would make parking “simpler and more reliable” for disabled motorists.
He added: “There’s no need to display or remember a physical badge at home: the system works automatically, reducing stress and making it easier for people to get on with their day.
“By removing the need for a visible badge, the scheme also helps protect residents from theft and vehicle break-ins, giving greater peace of mind when parking near home.
“At the same time, digital badges strengthen our ability to prevent misuse, ensuring the scheme is fair and that support goes to those who genuinely need it.”
The move is designed to crack down on Blue Badge theft
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HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM COUNCIL
The Labour councillor for West Kensington confirmed that the digital permit will benefit more than 3,400 Blue Badge holders in the region.
Applicants must hold a valid Blue Badge, have a full UK licence, provide proof of residence and show responsibility for the vehicle.
The digital Blue Badge permit lasts for 12 months and will enable drivers to park in their local parking zone without displaying the permit.
However, when making use of the scheme, drivers must still display their Blue Badge when parking in other zones across Hammersmith and Fulham, or elsewhere.
The council has seen a huge increase in Blue Badges being stolen or misused in recent years
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HAMMERSMITH AND FULHAM COUNCIL
Tenants or leaseholders living in a council estate in Hammersmith and Fulham can apply for an estate permit, or an on-street permit, but not both.
Drivers with disabilities will not need to pay anything for the Blue Badge digital parking permit.
The council also employs Blue Badge fraud investigators who travel around the area, with one in four badges seized by the team found to be stolen.
If the team sees “clear evidence” of a Blue Badge being misused, it can lead to the prosecution of the driver misusing the permit.
